Nsooba Slaughter House chairman Sekanyo Suleiman says high fuel costs, exchange-rate fluctuations and poor rural roads will continue to push up beef prices, even as rainfall gradually improves pasture for cattle.
Beef prices could remain high for several months despite the start of the rainy season, according to Sekanyo Suleiman, the chairman of Nsooba Slaughter House in Kawempe Division, who cites high fuel costs, exchange-rate fluctuations and poor road conditions in some cattle-producing areas.
Sekanyo said although rainfall improves pasture for cattle, it could take at least three months for grass to grow sufficiently to improve feeding conditions and potentially ease pressure on beef prices.
He cautioned consumers against expecting meat prices to fall immediately following the onset of the rains.
“People should not expect beef prices to drop immediately because the rains have started. Although rainfall encourages fresh grass to grow, the rainy season has only just begun, and it will take at least three months for pasture to improve,” Sekanyo said.
He explained that beef prices are influenced by several factors, including exchange-rate fluctuations, fuel costs and the condition of roads used to transport cattle from rural areas to slaughterhouses.
According to Sekanyo, high fuel prices increase transportation costs, while poor road conditions in some cattle-producing areas make it more expensive and difficult to move animals to market.
He praised the government for its road construction efforts, saying improved road networks had eased the transportation of cattle to slaughterhouses.
“Government investment in road construction has helped improve the movement of cattle from production areas to slaughterhouses. We appreciate these efforts because good roads make transportation easier,” he said.
However, he called for the rehabilitation of rural roads that remain in poor condition, noting that inadequate transport infrastructure and high fuel costs continue to burden livestock traders and slaughterhouse operators.
“Some rural roads still need to be improved. Poor road conditions, combined with high fuel prices, increase the cost of transporting cattle,” Sekanyo added.
The chairman also urged fellow slaughterhouse operators to manage their finances responsibly and avoid unnecessary spending amid rising business costs.
He encouraged them to cultivate a saving culture, saying setting aside money could help them cope with financial difficulties and sustain their operations.
“Those of us in the slaughterhouse business need to use our resources carefully and avoid unnecessary expenses. Saving has helped us in many ways, and we should continue practising it,” he said.
Sekanyo further emphasised that financial discipline was essential for business operators to navigate difficult economic conditions and meet their obligations.
He also wished candidates sitting their 2026 examinations success, encouraging them to remain focused throughout the examination period.
The cost of meat and poultry products continues to affect consumers, although prices vary depending on the market, location, product quality and type of meat.
Indicative prices reported from Nakasero and other markets show that a kilogramme of standard or stewing beef costs between Shs18,500 and Shs31,500, while minced beef ranges from Shs18,000 to Shs25,000.
Goat meat costs between Shs17,000 and Shs27,000 per kilogramme, while pork is priced at approximately Shs29,300 per kilogramme.
Among poultry products, a broiler chicken costs approximately Shs22,500, while local chicken ranges from Shs30,000 to Shs45,000 per bird. Kroiler chicken costs between Shs30,000 and Shs40,000 per bird.
Prices for other meat products also vary. A kilogramme of liver costs between Shs19,500 and Shs32,700, while kidney ranges from Shs17,500 to Shs19,200. Cow hooves, commonly known as kigere, cost approximately Shs15,000 per kilogramme.
Consumers are advised to compare prices at different markets before making purchases, as costs may vary depending on the supplier and location.